You'll Be Able To Sleep At The Wheel Of The 2021 Volvo XC90

At the moment, Level 3 self-driving technology is available and within the next decade or so, Level 5 will be the norm meaning vehicles will be capable of driving entirely by themselves without the need for any human intervention. But what about Level 4? This allows for “High Automation,” meaning no driver attention is required for safety. You can fall asleep at the wheel and not die. According to The Car Connection, the 2021 Volvo XC90 crossover will offer Level 4 autonomy.

Volvo Senior Vice President for R&D Henrik Green confirmed the next-generation XC90 which, like the just unveiled S60 sedan, will be built in the company’s new production plant in Charleston, South Carolina. Just as important is the fact that it’ll be able to drive “sleeping passengers” to wherever they need to go, but on limited roadways. Green added Volvo plans, at least initially, to have semi-automate commutes. Volvo calls its Level 4 semi-autonomous driving tech Highway Assist while its Level 2 tech, called Pilot Assist, is already available. It’s skipping Level 3 altogether. Green also said Highway Assist will be an optional “four figures” cost feature on the next XC90, but it’s still way too early to know an exact price.

Green also mentioned the Highway Assist program will use cloud-based information to drive the car, meaning it won’t rely on infrastructure communication systems. Hardware like lidar, radar and cameras will also be required. Volvo has been testing Highway Assist in Sweden and it has supplied the technology to Uber for further development in the US. We all know how well that’s been going, right?